648 Journal of Agriculture. [10 Nov., 1908.. 



in the treatment of diseases. lo England the work of instruction and in- 

 spection of apiairies is under the direction of the British Beekeepers' 

 Association, and has resulted in considerable progress of the industry. 

 In Germany, travelling instructors give theoretical instruction and prac- 

 tical demonstration. Experimental stations carry, out the work of re- 

 search and experiments, and information is freely given whether asked 

 for by letter or by personal application. The facilities offered for ob- 

 taining reliable information, and acquiring knowledge on the subject 

 generally are of great advantage to the individual as well as to the in- 

 dustry as a whole. 



BEE DISEASES. 



Legislation in connexion with bee diseases is in operation in twelve 

 of the States of America. 



Foul Brood. 



Of all bee diseases, foul brood, is considered the most formidable 

 in Europe and America. Although not feared to the same extent in 

 Victoria it is responsible for considerable losses in some districts. This, 

 disease is at present being thoroughly investigated by the Entomological 

 Branch of the Department of Agriculture at Washington. Dr. E. F. 

 Phillips states that the investigation which is still proceeding, has already 

 revealed the existence of two diseases both till now known as foul brood 

 (bacillus alvei). Two bacilli were isolated, the new bacillus being called 

 bacillus larvae, and the disease American foul brood; while that of 

 bacillus alvei is now named European foul brood. The latter differs 

 from the former in that it is more infectious, and spreads more rapidly, 

 but will sometimes disappear of its own accord, a thing not known 

 in a case of genuine American foul brood. 



Dr. Phillips, having in a journal expressed a wish to investigate 

 samples of foul brood from Australia I had taken specimens of diseased 

 combs with me. Owing to the omission of a thorough drying before 

 hermetically sealing the jars the specimens had become mouldy and use- 

 less. I promised to supply fresh specimens, properly prepared, as soon 

 as available. In England both diseases are still held to be two forms 

 of one disease, as shown by the utterances of speakers at the Franco- 

 British Congress. 



Bee Paralysis. 

 Bee Paralysis, a disease verv destructive in some of the best honey 

 districts of Victoria, and well known also in the United States, has, up 

 to a certain point, been investigated at Washington. Dr. Phillips states 

 that no definite results have been obtained so far, nor has it been proved 

 that the disease has a bacterium. The presence of bacilli shown by the 

 microscope does not prove them to be either the cause or the result of 

 the disease. The investigation into bee paralysis will be further pursued 

 when that of foul brood is completed. The majority of American bee- 

 keepers are of opinion that paralysis is a constitutional disease, and 

 that the predisposition to it may by selection be bred out. Mr. T. W. 

 Cowan, the well-known English authority, holds the same view in regard 

 to foul brood, namely, that by breeding from stock which remained free 

 from disease although surrounded bv it, a race of bee practically immune 

 could in time be produced. 



